LeBron James Joins the Miami Heat

LeBron James Joins the Miami Heat

There was a hero's welcome awaiting LeBron James in Miami, but back in Cleveland, enraged fans burned LeBron James shirts, saying "good riddance" to a man who they consider the biggest American traitor since Benedict Arnold.

In an open letter to fans, enraged Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert called it a "shocking act of disloyalty" and said, "You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal."

It's a story that's transcending sports. Florida fans truly feel they've hit the jackpot, with James joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to create what some are calling a Miami "Dream Team."

But in Cleveland, fans are stunned by the Ohio-born-and-raised superstar's decision to leave. One called it "the absolute worst decision ever!"

Back in New York James's move is also topping the headlines; the surprise decision left tons of hopeful Knicks fans disappointed.

Tony Zarrella, the Sports Director for WOIO in Cleveland, tells INSIDE EDITION that LeBron's departure will hurt not only the Cavaliers franchise, but also the city's economy.

And although James told interviewer Jim Gray, "I had seven great years in Cleveland," perhaps Cleveland doesn't feel the same way. The front page of the Plain Dealer simply said "Gone," with a photo of James walking away. They also pointed out that during those seven years, James had won "no [championship] rings."

"Losing LeBron is like a dagger not only to the franchise but to the city as a whole," says Zarrella.